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Edwin Wenglar Obituary
General Edwin F.
Wengler, Brigadier General Edwin F. Wenglar, USAF Ret., Francitas. TX. "slipped the surly bonds of earth" due to congestive heart failure on August 5, 2011 surrounded by his family.
Gen. Wenglar is survived by his wife, Virginia R. "Ginger" Wenglar, Francitas; his daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Dalton Skinner of Katy; Barbara and Richard Huggins of Tyler; Mollye and Brett Williams of Fredricksburg; JoAnne Estopinal, of Francitas; and his son, Mike and Lisa Wenglar of Pearland. In addition, he leaves 12 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Gen. Wenglar was born January 1, 1923 in El Campo, Texas, the son of Joseph and Amelia Wenglar. He is the last of his own family to enter into eternal rest, having been preceded in death by his parents as well as six brothers and three sisters. Also preceding him was his first wife, Margie; daughter, Lucille DuRant; and grandson, Christopher Presley.
With an enduring interest in flying and planes, at age 18 he served as a mechanic in the Army Air Corps when the service branch (later to become the Air Force) made an offer he could not refuse. Additional pilots were needed to fly not only combat missions but also transport missions for the war effort. This unique band of pilots was called "Sergeant Pilots," enlisted men who would be trained to fly. Gen.Wenglar said of it: "…we would gladly have stayed privates forever just to have the chance to fly."
He served overseas during World War II from November 1942 through July 1944, being appointed to Brigadier General in April 1973. Throughout his military career, he accumulated approximately 8,000 flying hours and flew to many different locations around the globe. Gen. Wenglar's numerous awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit.
Following the war, Gen. Wenglar continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve while also flying for Schlumberger, Ltd, eventually becoming Chief of Aviation. This position added another 14,000 hours of flight time.
Gen. Wenglar retired in 1983 and moved to his farm in Francitas, TX. In honor of his first wife and daughter, Gen. Wenglar has established several endowed scholarships for graduates of El Campo High School.
Pallbearers include: Danny Skinner; Sy Skinner; Shawn Watkins; 2nd Lt Benjamin Williams, USAF; Caleb Wenglar; Justin Estopinal; Warren Lowery; and Blake Lowery. Honorary pallbearers; Carroll Shelby; Col. Elwood Paradowski; CCMSgt. Stephen Page; Col. Herman Page; M/Gen John Hoff; LTC Curtis Everett; SMSgt. James M. Rogers, USAF; MSgt. William Chivalet; and M/Gen Charles Yeager.
The legacy of this larger-than-life man, patriot, husband, father, pilot, philanthropist, and generous friend is that our lives might be lived to the fullest, true to American ideals and values, passed on from generation to generation.
Arrangements will be with Wheeler Funeral Home officiated by Rev. Rick Dubroc. In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in General Wenglar's name may be made to the Vernon Burge Memorial Fund honoring the memory of all Enlisted Pilots c/o Commercial State Bank, 401 Mechanic St, El Campo, TX 77437-4421.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edwin Wenglar
Michael J. Miller 924TAG CBPO QC, SSG USAFR
January 10, 2025
I was a Staff Sergeant under General Wenglar in the 442 TAW. I worked with him to improve attendance and morale within the 924TAG. He was a warm supportive officer that we all appreciated.
So many years ago, yet the man is still one I often speak of in my time in the Reserves.
God rest you, Sir.
Chris Jones
August 14, 2011
Thank You for your service to this wonderful Nation Sir! My God bless you and your family with greatest of blessings.
August 11, 2011
Sorry to hear of your loss. He is our loss also. RIP
Teresa Venglar Orr
Rosemary Riley
August 10, 2011
Ginger and Family
I am so very sorry for your loss. You have my kind thoughts and prayers. Edwin was a remarkable man.
Greta Rymal and Cheryl Henry
August 8, 2011
Ginger and family, we are saddened to hear of your loss. We were proud to know your Dad and to share the experiences of the Enlisted Pilots from Ed and other members and wives of their association.
Mary (Norman) LaBauve
August 8, 2011
Rest in Peace Uncle Ed.
MSgt Beverley Linsley USAF(Ret)
August 8, 2011
Sincere condolences. General Wenglar will be a patriot to be remembered.
August 7, 2011
Our deepest sympathies to Mollye/Brett/Ben/Marjorie upon the passing of your Father and Grandfather. Our prayers are with you and your extended family. Jeff/Tina/JJ/Dayna Lanids. (Fredericksburg, TX)
Dale Miller
August 7, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Wenglar family. I was a young Lieutenent in the Naval Reserves when I served on the Board of the local chapter of the Reserve Officers Association in Houston with General Wenglar. He was a very fine person.
The Vallow's
August 7, 2011
To Hannah & her entire family, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Scott Westmoreland
August 7, 2011
Deepest sympathy to the Wenglar family. He was a great man and I am proud to have known him. He will be missed but his life will be carried on by his children and grandchildren. God bless you all.
Lorraine Norman and Dee Luckey
August 7, 2011
Ginger and the entire family, please know that you are in our prayers and may God comfort you in your time of need.
Pat-Marlyn Hooper
August 7, 2011
I have known The General for about 35
years. The stories that he would tell were from one of the sharpest mines in
the world. He will be missed by everyone who ever met him. Ginger our
sincere Condolences.
Pat Hooper
David Albee
August 7, 2011
Gen Wenglar will always be remembered as a true leader and a man that all of his friends and family can look up to and be proud of. I will truly miss him and he will never be forgotten. General thanks for the great campouts.
bobby wilkinson
August 7, 2011
to ginger and shawn - peggy and i send our sincere condolences. bobby wilkinson
Elwood & Gladys Paradowski
August 7, 2011
To Ginger and all of your family:
You have to be sad, but so very proud of the many honors Ed earned. He was truly a remarkable man and loved by so many. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Love to all of you.
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